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Outdoors Inn Campground

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Outdoors Inn Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (320) 368-2670

Address 215 US-12, Benson, MN 56215, USA

Website http://outdoorsinncampground.wordpress.com/

Hours

Outdoors Inn Campground Location & Map

MinnesotaSwift CountyBensonU.S. 12

Outdoors Inn Campground About

Minnesota, with its vast wilderness, shimmering lakes, and winding rivers, offers an idyllic setting for camping and outdoor adventures. For those in search of a welcoming and well-maintained retreat, especially one that combines natural beauty with genuine hospitality, the options can seem endless. In the heart of Western Minnesota, the Outdoors Inn Campground in Benson stands out as a true local gem, consistently praised by visitors for its exceptional charm and the warmth of its hosts.

Camping in Minnesota is more than just pitching a tent or parking an RV; it's about connecting with the serene environment, enjoying recreational pursuits, and often, experiencing the friendly spirit of a local community. Outdoors Inn Campground embodies these qualities, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages repeat visits and fosters lasting memories. It offers a unique blend of convenience and tranquility, being easily accessible yet remarkably quiet, providing a perfect balance for those seeking a genuine outdoor escape.

This article will delve into what makes Outdoors Inn Campground a highly recommended destination for local users in Minnesota. We'll explore its prime location on the Chippewa River, detail the services and features that enhance the camping experience, and highlight why its accommodating owners are a significant draw for campers from near and far.

Introduction / Overview

Outdoors Inn Campground, located at 215 US-12, Benson, MN 56215, USA, is a private campground that has garnered significant acclaim for its exceptional hospitality and well-maintained grounds. Nestled right off Highway 12, just west of Benson, and boasting a prime position on the Chippewa River, this campground offers a unique blend of accessibility and serene natural beauty. Visitors consistently rave about the owners, describing them as "the most genuine sweet people you could hope for as hosts" who are "so accommodating and friendly." This strong emphasis on customer service sets a welcoming tone for every stay. Despite its convenient highway access, the campground is remarkably "very quiet," allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings. It's noted for being "beautifully maintained and appointed," featuring "large sites" and picturesque areas with "beautiful large trees and grassy areas." This attention to detail ensures a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing experience. The campground is praised for its excellent amenities, including "nice bathrooms with showers," and even offers recreational options like a "billiard room." Its appeal extends to outdoor activities, particularly "catfishing" in the nearby river. The fact that it wasn't even busy on a Memorial Day weekend suggests it might be a hidden gem, offering a peaceful retreat even during traditionally busy times. Outdoors Inn Campground clearly strives to provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience that makes visitors eager to "definitely return."

Location and Accessibility

Outdoors Inn Campground is strategically located at 215 US-12, Benson, MN 56215, USA. This placement offers a superb balance of easy accessibility and a quiet, natural setting. Being "right off highway 12" means that the campground is incredibly convenient for travelers, making it easy to reach from various parts of Minnesota and beyond. Highway 12 is a significant route, ensuring smooth travel for RVs and vehicles towing trailers. Despite its proximity to a major highway, customer reviews consistently emphasize that the campground remains "very quiet," a testament to its thoughtful layout and natural buffering. The campground's location directly on the Chippewa River is a major advantage, providing immediate access to water-based activities and scenic views. Benson, Minnesota, itself is a friendly community in Swift County, offering essential amenities such as grocery stores, gas stations, and local dining options, all within a short drive from the campground. This combination of convenient highway access, a serene riverside location, and proximity to town services makes Outdoors Inn Campground an ideal and easily accessible destination for both planned vacations and impromptu getaways in Western Minnesota.

Services Offered

Outdoors Inn Campground provides a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable stay for all types of campers. Their offerings cater to both RV and tent campers, as well as those seeking a cabin experience:

  • Full Hook-Up RV Sites: Features 30 RV sites with gravel pads, offering both 30 and 50 AMP electric, water, and septic connections. Each site also includes a picnic table and a fire pit.
  • Numerous Tent Sites: Dedicated areas for traditional tent camping, allowing for a more rustic experience while still enjoying the campground's amenities.
  • Cabin Rentals: Offers two cabins:
    • "Deer Cabin": An adorable log cabin that sleeps 4. It comes fully stocked with dinnerware, pots, pans, utensils, a refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, and a 2-burner hot plate. Outside, there's a BBQ grill and fire pit. It includes a full bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink, and has A/C, heat, and a ceiling fan. The bedroom has a full-size bed, a futon in the living room opens to another full-size bed, and two twin camper beds are in the loft. It's located right on the river with a front porch and rockers.
    • "Fishing Cabin" (in process): Designed to sleep 2, with a kitchen (refrigerator, sink, microwave) and a bathroom (toilet and sink). Guests use the main shower house for showers. Also located very near the river with a front porch and rockers.
  • Clean Bathrooms with Showers: Highly praised by customers for being "nice," indicating a commitment to cleanliness and comfort in shared facilities.
  • Chippewa River Access: Direct access to the river for fishing and other water-based activities.
  • Tube/Kayak/Raft Services: Campers can put in at the campground, and the owners offer pick-up services at subsequent bridges, facilitating easy river floats.
  • Billiard Room: An on-site recreational amenity for indoor entertainment.
  • Pet-Friendly Environment: While not explicitly stated as a service, the general accommodating nature of the owners and the outdoor setting often imply a welcoming attitude towards pets (though specific policies should always be confirmed).
  • Exceptional Hospitality: The owners' "genuine sweet" and "accommodating and friendly" nature is a consistent "service" that enhances the overall guest experience.

Features / Highlights

Outdoors Inn Campground offers several compelling features that make it a standout choice for campers in Minnesota:

  • Exceptional Owners/Hosts: Consistently highlighted as the campground's top asset. Their genuine kindness, friendliness, and accommodating nature create a truly welcoming atmosphere.
  • Riverside Location: Situated directly on the Chippewa River, providing picturesque views, direct access for fishing (especially "catfishing"), and opportunities for floating down the river.
  • Quiet and Tranquil Environment: Despite being conveniently located off Highway 12, the campground maintains a remarkably peaceful ambiance, perfect for relaxation.
  • Beautifully Maintained Grounds: The property is described as "beautifully maintained and appointed," ensuring a pleasant and tidy environment for all campers.
  • Spacious and Appointed Sites: Features "large sites" with gravel pads, picnic tables, and fire pits, offering comfort and convenience for RV and tent campers.
  • Clean and Modern Facilities: Boasts "nice bathrooms with showers," indicating a commitment to providing high-quality communal amenities.
  • On-Site Entertainment: The presence of a "billiard room" offers an enjoyable indoor activity, a unique feature for a campground.
  • Variety of Accommodations: Offers a choice between RV sites, tent sites, and charming cabins, catering to different camping preferences and needs.
  • Return Guest Loyalty: The strong desire of visitors to "definitely return" speaks volumes about the positive experiences guests have at Outdoors Inn Campground.

Promotions or Special Offers

Information on specific promotions or special offers for Outdoors Inn Campground is not detailed in the provided public data. However, many privately-owned campgrounds, especially those with such attentive owners, may offer various incentives to new and returning guests. These could include:

  • Seasonal Rates: Discounts for longer stays, such as weekly or monthly bookings, particularly for RV sites.
  • Off-Peak Discounts: Reduced rates during quieter seasons or weekdays.
  • Referral Programs: Incentives for existing customers who refer new campers.
  • Special Event Packages: Occasional offers tied to local festivals or specific outdoor events in the Benson area.
  • Group Rates: Discounts for larger groups or family reunions utilizing multiple sites or cabins.

Given the owners' accommodating nature, it is highly recommended to contact Outdoors Inn Campground directly via phone or email (outdoorsinncampground@gmail.com, as found in public listings) to inquire about any current promotions, seasonal deals, or special packages that might be available for your planned stay. Their friendly staff will be the best source for up-to-date information.

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries about site or cabin availability, or any specific questions regarding your stay at Outdoors Inn Campground, please use the following contact details:

  • Address: 215 US-12, Benson, MN 56215, USA
  • Phone: (320) 368-2670
  • Mobile Phone: +1 320-368-2670
  • Email: outdoorsinncampground@gmail.com (as found in public listings)

Reaching out directly to the owners or management team is the best way to ensure you get the most accurate and personalized information for your camping adventure. Given the positive feedback about their responsiveness, you can expect a helpful and welcoming interaction.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Outdoors Inn Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in Minnesota, offering a blend of genuine hospitality, natural beauty, and convenient access that makes it a perfect escape. For Minnesotans seeking a reliable and enjoyable camping experience, the campground's standout feature is its owners, who are consistently praised as "the most genuine sweet people you could hope for as hosts." This personalized and friendly service creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages return visits, fostering a sense of familiarity and comfort that many locals value. Its location "right off highway 12, yet very quiet," provides an ideal balance of easy accessibility for quick getaways and a peaceful retreat from daily life. The proximity to the Chippewa River offers fantastic opportunities for "catfishing" and leisurely river floats, appealing directly to Minnesota's strong outdoor culture. Furthermore, the "beautifully maintained and appointed, large sites" and "nice bathrooms with showers" ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay, whether for a weekend or a longer vacation. For families looking for a clean, safe, and engaging environment, or for individuals seeking a tranquil spot for relaxation and outdoor pursuits, Outdoors Inn Campground provides all the elements for a memorable experience right in their home state. It's a place where local values of friendliness and appreciation for nature truly shine, making it an ideal choice for any Minnesota outdoor enthusiast.

Customer Reviews

4.0
57 reviews
L
Luke VanDenBoom
May 25, 2025

The owners here are the most genuine sweet people you could hope for as hosts. So accommodating and friendly! Nice bathrooms with showers. Fun area for catfishing, and even a billiard room. Wasn't even busy on memorial day weekend. Will definitely return!

M
Mireille Raby
Sep 27, 2024

Had a wonderful stay at this private campground! Right off highway 12, yet very quiet! Beautifully maintained and appointed, large sites, nearby a river, with beautiful large trees and grassy areas. The owners were very kind, responsive, friendly, and love to welcome you to their campground! I would return anytime! Thank you!

S
Skip Halverson
Aug 15, 2024

We have had our family reunion at this Campground the last 3 years. Lexi and Dave have been absolutely amazing, friendly, professional and extremely accommodating. There are public bathrooms with showers, a shelter/game room and of course the river for fishing, tubing and kayaking. We will continue to reserve and schedule our annual family reunion here.

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Alyssa Weeres
Aug 07, 2024

Our family had an amazing visit to this campground. Lexi and Dave are so kind and made us feel so welcome. They went above and beyond with hospitality. The bathrooms are clean, sites are very well maintained. Highly recommend!

E
Eric Hargrave
Jun 26, 2024

Beautiful campground situated on the Chippewa River with spacious, shaded sites that are meticulously maintained. Dave and Lexi are everything you could hope for in owners; personable, accommodating, organized and responsive! Come and stay for a day, week or the season. You won't be disappointed.